EP1384640B1 - Signal lamp and lamp assembly for railway vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a signal light for rail vehicles with a reflector, at least one light source for red light and at least one light source for white light, wherein an inner wall of the reflector has a continuous concave curvature. The invention also relates to a lighting arrangement for a rail vehicle with at least one upper and at least one lower lamp unit, wherein both the upper and the lower lamp unit have headlight function and at least the upper lamp unit has a signal lamp according to the invention.

Known signaling lights for rail vehicles can be used for both a red and a white signal light. The problem here is the emergence of a so-called red phantom light with white signal light.

From the European patent application EP 1 279 890 A1 a signal light for motor vehicles is known, in each case a light source is arranged in one of several separate reflector cups. A Intermediate wall between the reflector cups extends to a diffuser of the signal light. Each light source is arranged in a dome made of colored plastic.

From German patent DE 353 214 it is known to mix light of different color to produce an optical signal of certain color. For this purpose, light sources of different colors, for example red and green, are arranged so that they illuminate a prism or a mirror from different directions.

US Pat. No. 6,290,380 B1 discloses a signal light for motor vehicles, in which a plurality of separate reflector cups are provided, in each of which a light source with possibly different color is arranged.

From the German patent DE 717 635 a signal light for motor vehicles is known, in which two bulbs of different colors are arranged behind one another on the symmetry axis of the reflector within a reflector with a continuous concave curvature. Between the two bulbs, concentric with the axis of symmetry, a lens is arranged. Due to the overall arrangement of the optical system, different areas in front of the reflector are illuminated by the different light sources.

From the Belgian patent BE 377 256 a signal light for motor vehicles is known in which three bulbs emit light in a common reflector. In front of the reflector, a cover plate is arranged, which has two separate circular lens areas. Each of these lens areas is illuminated by means of another light source. The light source is arranged in the exit direction of the light behind two telescopically arranged, non-translucent tubes. A the Light source facing the front side of the tubes is covered with a colored glass and on a side facing away from the light source front side of the tubes, a lens is arranged. By means of the lens, the light emitted by the respective light source is directed onto the respective lens area. As a result, two separate signal disk areas with possibly different light color are formed on the cover disk.

The German patent application DE 198 11 961 A1 shows a vehicle headlamp, which has a light source for the headlight function and a light source for a limiting light function in a common reflector. In order to avoid excessive light intensities in subregions of the reflector during operation of the lighting means for the limiting light function, a shading plate is provided between the lighting means for the limiting function and the lighting means for the headlight function.

US Pat. No. 2,088,501 discloses a signal lamp for motor vehicles, which has a light source for the signal light function and a further light source for the lateral emission of light. For this purpose, the second light source is arranged in a region separated from the reflector and light of the second light source does not fall on a diffuser in front of the reflector, but exits through a lateral opening of the reflector housing.

With the invention, a signal light for rail vehicles is to be created, which can be used for both red and white signal light and with a highly visible signal disk can be provided, which can be illuminated while avoiding red phantom light alternatively with white or red signal light.

According to the invention for this purpose, a signal light for rail vehicles with a reflector, at least one light source for red light and at least one light source for white light is provided, wherein an inner wall of the reflector has a continuous concave curvature, in which a light source arranged in front of the common lens is provided at in that the red light bulb has a red glass dome in which a shadow plate is provided between the at least one red light bulb and the at least one white light bulb, the position and / or size of the red and white light emitting bulbs, the Abschattblechs and their angular position to each other chosen so that when white signal light no red phantom light or the red light itself are visible and a uniform illumination of the lens is achieved in both white and red signal light.

By providing the Abschattbleches is achieved that with white signal light no so-called red phantom light or that the light source for red light through the lens is visible through. In this way, a clearly visible, white or red signal disc is achieved with a single, combined signal light for red and white light.

By matching the position and the size of the light source, especially the size of a red glass dome, in which a standard lamp is inserted to create a light source for red light, as well as the Abschattblechs and the angular position of the light source and Abschattblechs and possibly the reflector shape to each other it is possible to ensure uniform illumination of the diffusing screen while avoiding red phantom light and at the same time achieving the desired light intensities. The vote of the position and / or the size of the light source, the Abschattblechs and their angular position to each other and optionally the reflector shape can be done by experiments or computerized.

In a further development of the invention, the lens is frosted on its surface facing the bulbs. In this way, an appealing signal image is favored without light and dark spots on the lens.

In a development of the invention, means are provided for operating the lighting means at least partially with respect to their rated voltage reduced voltage.

For example, all or at least some of the bulbs are operated with an undervoltage of 20% to extend their life.

In a further development of the invention, sockets of the lighting means can be fastened to the housing at least partially by means of a bayonet closure.

In this way, a secure attachment and an exact positioning of the sockets can be achieved. The lamps themselves can also be attached by means of bayonet locks in the versions.

In a further development of the invention, the lens has a passage opening in a central region.

In this way, in a signal light, which combines the signal light function with a headlight function, a high light intensity can be achieved in the headlight operation. Instead of the passage opening, for example, a clear, non-scattering region of the lens could be provided, which causes only a small loss of light intensity.

In a further development of the invention, the passage opening has an oval shape and is longer in the transverse direction than in the vertical direction.

Such a shape of the passage opening is advantageous in order to achieve a desired light distribution in rail vehicles.

In a further development of the invention, the lighting means for the headlight extends at least in sections between the light source for white signal light and the lens.

By these measures it is achieved that when used as a white signal light, the Achslichtstärke is not too large, since the light source for the headlamp then covers the light source for white signal light at least in sections. This is especially true when a lens with a through hole in its central area is used.

In a further development of the invention, the lighting means for the headlight is arranged inclined relative to an axis direction from a reflector center to the lens.

In this way, it is achieved that a main emission direction is parallel to the direction of the signal light function, a radiation direction in headlight function, however, for example, is inclined downwards.

In a further development of the invention, the light source for the headlamp and the light source for red and white signal light are attached to a plurality of mutually arranged at an angle mounting surfaces mounting bracket, which is disposed on a, the diffuser facing away from the back of the reflector.

In this way, an exact positioning of the lamps to each other and with respect to the reflector in a simple and relatively easy to implement way possible, at the same time a stable attachment of the light source is created.

In a further development of the invention, the lens has an upper, a middle and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has a smooth surface structure, the middle portion has a groove structure and the lower portion has a Fresnel lens structure.

By these measures, a desired light distribution of the signal light is achieved. A rear side of the lens may be frosted and the groove structure and the Fresnel lens structure are realized on a surface facing away from the reflector of the lens.

The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a lighting arrangement for rail vehicles with at least one upper and one lower lamp unit, wherein both the upper and the lower lamp unit headlight function and have at least one signal lamp according to the invention, in which in the upper lamp unit for headlight function and signal light function a common reflector and a common lens are provided.

By means of these measures, a headlight function and a signal light function can be implemented in the upper lamp unit without exceeding the installation space usually given for rail vehicles.

In a further development of the invention, the lamp units can be fastened by means of quick fasteners on a rail vehicle.

By these measures, a maintenance-friendly attachment of the lamp units is achieved.

In a further development of the invention, the headlight in the dimmed state has a symmetrical cut-off point.

In this way, an advantageous light distribution for rail vehicles can be achieved. Especially with the use of so-called H4 lamps, an asymmetric cut-off line is normally created, whereby measures are taken in the invention to nevertheless achieve a symmetrical cut-off line.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Leuchteneinheit gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht der Leuchteneinheit Fig. 1 entlang der Linie ll-ll,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Leuchteneinheit der Fig. 1 von schräg hinten,

Fig. 4

eine Vorderansicht einer Leuchteneinheit gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie V-V der Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie Vl-Vl der Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Leuchteneinheit der Fig. 4 von schräg oben,

Fig. 8

eine Vorderansicht der Streuscheibe der Leuchteneinheit der Fig. 1 und

Fig. 9

eine Vorderansicht der Streuscheibe der Signalleuchte der Leuchteneinheit der Fig. 4.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a front view of a lamp unit according to the invention according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

a sectional view of the lamp unit Fig. 1 along the line ll-ll,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the lamp unit of FIG. 1 obliquely from behind,

Fig. 4

a front view of a lamp unit according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5

a sectional view taken along the line VV of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

a sectional view taken along the line Vl-Vl of Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the lamp unit of FIG. 4 obliquely from above,

Fig. 8

a front view of the lens of the lamp unit of FIG. 1 and

Fig. 9

a front view of the lens of the signal lamp of the lamp unit of FIG. 4th

In the front view of Fig. 1, a lamp unit 10 is shown, which is used as the upper lamp unit on a rail vehicle. The lamp unit 10 has a signal light, which can fulfill both a signal light function and a headlamp function. For this purpose, the signal light is provided with a support 12, a not visible in the illustration of FIG. 1 reflector, a diffuser 14 in front of the reflector and a plurality of bulbs, which are only partially visible in the illustration of FIG. 1 and with reference to FIG .. 2 be explained in more detail. The carrier 12 is fastened to the rail vehicle by means of a plurality of quick-release fasteners 16. To set the light center of the signal light of the reflector can be adjusted together with the lens by means of several adjusting screws 18 relative to the carrier 12.

In the illustration of FIG. 1, it can be clearly seen that the diffusing screen 14 has a central passage opening through which the illuminants arranged in the reflector can be seen. The diffusing screen 14 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.

2, it can be seen that the lighting unit 10 of FIG. 1 has a total of four lighting means 22, 24, 26 and 28. The lamp units 22, 24, 26 and 28 protrude at least in sections into the reflector 20.

The light-emitting means 28 is provided for red signal light and has a dome 30 made of red glass and a H21W lamp 32, which is inserted from one of the lens 14 away from the reflector 20 in the cap 30.

A white signal light is realized by the bulbs 22 and 26, which are both formed as H21W lamps. Both bulbs 22 and 26 are used for the white signal light, in the dimmed state of the white signal light then only the light emitting means 22 is used.

To realize the headlight function, the light source 24 is provided, which is designed as a H1 lamp.

Between the light-emitting means 28 for red signal light and the bulbs 22 and 26 for white signal light, a shadow plate 34 is arranged. By Abschattblech 34 prevents the dome 30 is so strongly illuminated in white signal light that even with white signal light, a red phantom light occurs or the cap 30 is illuminated so that it is visible from outside the rail vehicle. The Abschattblech 34 is arranged directly adjacent to the cap 30 and extends substantially parallel to a side surface of the cap 30. The Abschattblech 34 is slightly curved so that it extends parallel to a portion of the outer wall of the cylindrical cap 30. The size of the Abschattblechs 34 and its extent in the reflector 20 into it is chosen so that the Bulb 26 for the white signal light can not directly irradiate the cap 30.

As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the luminous means 24 for realizing the headlamp function is arranged inclined to an axis direction from the reflector 20 to the diffusing screen 14, which is indicated by means of an arrow 36. As a result, it is achieved on the one hand that, in the case of the headlight function, the light exits from the axis direction 36 inclined downwards at 5.5 °. In addition, it is achieved that the illuminating means 24 for the headlight function at least partially covers the illuminating means 26 for the white signal light function in the axial direction 36. This ensures that a light intensity of the white signal light in the axial direction 36 does not become too large. This is particularly important because the lens 14 has the central passage opening.

The central passage opening of the lens 14 is provided for the purpose of ensuring a sufficient light intensity by the light source 24 when the headlight function. In return, therefore, measures must be taken to prevent excessive light intensity by the bulb 26 in the signal light function.

In the illustration of Fig. 3, which shows the lamp unit 10 of FIG. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from behind, it can be seen that the lighting means 22, 24, 26 and 28 are fixed to a holder 38 which on one of the lens 14 opposite side of the reflector 20 is attached. The holder 38 is formed by a sheet metal strip which is angled several times and has a plurality of mutually arranged at an angle mounting surfaces for the bulbs 22, 24, 26 and 28. By means of the holder 38 it is ensured that the critical positioning of the lighting means 22, 24, 26 and 28 is reliably maintained. The bulbs 22, 26 and 28 are each in a socket 40th fastened, which is fastened by means of a bayonet lock on the holder 38. The socket 40 can be introduced only in one position in the holder 38 due to a plastic Kodiernockens on the bayonet socket 14. For this purpose, the holder 38 each have a correspondingly shaped cutout. The lighting means 26 and 28 are in turn secured by means of a further bayonet closure in the respective socket 40. The light-emitting means 24 is held in the holder 38 by means of a spring clip in its socket.

In the front view of Fig. 8, the lens 14 is shown in more detail. The diffusing screen 14 has the passage opening 42 in its central region. The diffuser may be frosted on a surface. The passage opening 42 has an oval shape, wherein its extension in the transverse direction is greater than in the vertical direction. Transverse direction and vertical direction are related to the mounting position of the lamp unit 10 in a rail vehicle, in which the lamp unit is aligned as shown in FIG. The shape of the central passage opening 42 is matched to the desired light distribution profile. Care must be taken that the shape and size of the through hole 42 are matched together with the positioning of the bulbs for the headlight function and the red or white signal light function and the size and location of the Abschattblechs to a desired light intensity and light distribution in the various functions to reach. Such a vote can be made by experiments and / or by means of suitable computer programs.

In the front view of Fig. 4, a lamp unit 50 is shown for rail vehicles, which is used as the lower lamp unit use. In this case, two lower lamp units are arranged on the front side of a rail vehicle. The lamp unit 50 has a carrier 52 which by means of several quick-release fasteners 54 and a Hinge 56 can be hinged to a rail vehicle. In contrast to the lighting unit 10 of FIG. 1, the lighting unit 52 has a signal light 58 and, separated from it, a headlight 60. The headlight 60 can be adjusted by means of a plurality of adjusting screws 62 in its relative position to the carrier 52 of the lamp unit 50.

The signal light 58 is provided with a diffusing screen 64 having a plurality of sections 66, 68 and 70, which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.

5 shows a sectional view of the headlight 60 along the line V-V of FIG. 4. In a central position, a light source 74 is provided in a reflector 72, which is designed as an H4 lamp. By means of the headlight 60, it is possible to achieve light intensities of from 50 000 cd to 70 000 cd, while in dimmed operation light intensities in the range from 12 000 cd to 16 000 cd are achieved. The reflector 72 and the position of the light source 74 are coordinated so that a symmetrical cut-off in the dimmed state is achieved. Usually, when using H4 lamps an asymmetric light-dark characteristic occurs. A radiation direction of the headlight light by the headlight 60 is inclined by 5.5 ° down.

In the sectional view of Fig. 6 along the line Vl-Vl of Fig. 4, the structure of the signal lamp 58 can be seen. The signal light 58 has three bulbs 76, 78 and 80. The bulbs 76 and 78 are formed as H21W lamps and are used for white signal light. In the dimmed state of the white signal light, only the lighting means 76 is used. The lighting means 76 and the lighting means 78 are fastened by means of a bayonet closure in each case a socket 40, wherein the sockets 40 in turn by means of a Bayonet closure are mounted in the reflector. The luminous means 80 is provided for red signal light and has a red glass dome 82 and a H21W lamp 84, which is inserted from one of the diffuser 64 remote from the reflector side into the glass dome 82. The illuminant 80 is also attached to the reflector by means of a bayonet closure.

Between the luminous means 80 for red signal light and the bulbs 76 and 78 for white signal light, a shadow plate 86 is arranged. The Abschattblech 86 is disposed parallel to an outer wall of the glass dome 82 and adjusted in size and position so that when white signal light a red phantom light and beyond is prevented that the red glass dome 82 visible from a front side of the rail vehicle through the lens 64 is. As with the signal light 10 of FIG. 1, the position, the size and the angular position of the bulbs 76, 78 and 80 and the Abschattblechs 86 and the design of the diffuser 64 and the reflector are coordinated so that on the one hand with white or red signal light a uniformly illuminated signal disk is achieved with the desired light intensities and on the other hand, a white signal light, a red phantom light is avoided.

In the illustration of Fig. 7, the lamp unit 50 is shown in perspective obliquely from the front. Good to see the hinge 56, by means of which the carrier 52 is hingedly attached to a rail vehicle. As a result, the lamp unit 50 is easily accessible for maintenance.

In the illustration of Fig. 9, the lens 64 of the lamp unit 50 is shown in more detail. An upper portion 66 of the lens 64 has smooth surfaces on both sides, wherein the entire, the reflector facing surface of the lens 64 may be frosted. One second, central portion 68 of the lens 64 has on its surface a groove structure of parallel to each other in the transverse direction grooves through which a lens effect is achieved. The grooves of the groove structure could for example also run vertically. A groove spacing is for example 0.194 mm. A lower portion 70 is provided with a Fresnel lens, wherein a center of the Fresnel lens is indicated by the reference numeral 90. A groove pitch of the concentric grooves of the Fresnel lens is, for example, 0.254 mm. The design of the individual sections 66, 68 and 70 of the diffusing screen 64 together with the selected positioning of the lighting means achieves the desired light distributions and light intensities.

Claims (13)

1. Signal light for railway vehicles with a reflector (20), at least one lamp (28; 80) for red light and at least one lamp (22, 24, 26; 76, 78) for white light, whereby an internal wall of the reflector (20) features a continuous concave curvature, and in front of the lamps a common diffusing disc (14; 64) is provided, characterised in that the lamp (28; 80) for red light features a red glass calotte (82) and between the at least one lamp (28; 80) for red light and at least one lamp (22, 24, 26; 76, 78) for white light a shading plate (34; 86) is provided, in that the position and/or the size of the lamp (22, 24, 26, 28; 76, 78, 80) for red and white light, of the shading plates (34; 86) as well as their angular position relative to one another are selected such that with white signal light no red phantom light or red light (28; 80) is visible and with both white as well as red signal light a uniform illumination of the diffusing disc (14; .64) is achieved.
2. Signal light for railway vehicles according to claim 1, characterised in that the diffusing disc (14; 64) is matted on its surface finish facing towards the lamps.
3. Signal light for railway vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that means are provided in order to operate the lamps (22, 24, 26, 28; 74, 76, 78, 80) at least partially with reduced voltage in contrast to their nominal voltage.
4. Signal light for railway vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that sockets (40) for the lamps are at least partially fixable by means of a bayonet lock on the reflector or holder (38).
5. Signal light for railway vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the diffusing disc (14) features a passage opening (42) in a central area.
6. Signal light according to claim 5, characterised in that the passage opening (42) features an oval shape and is longer in the cross direction than in the height direction.
7. Signal light according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a lamp (24) for a head light function stretches at least section-wise between the lamp (26) for white signal light and the diffusing disc (14).
8. Signal light according to claim 7, characterised in that the lamp (24) for the head light function is aligned relative to an axial direction from the reflector middle to the diffusing disc (14).
9. Signal light according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the lamp (24) for the head light function and the lamp (22, 26, 28) for red and white signal light are arranged on a holder (38) featuring several angular fixing surfaces, said holder is located on rear side of the reflector (20) facing away from the diffusing disc (14).
10. Signal light for railway vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the diffusing disc (64) features an upper, a middle and a lower section (66, 68, 70), whereby the upper section (66) features a smooth surface, the middle section (68) a ribbed structure and the lower section (90) a Fresnel lens structure.
11. Lighting arrangement for a railway vehicle with at least an upper and a lower lamp unit (10; 50), whereby both the upper and the lower lamp unit have a head light function and at least the upper lamp unit (10) features a signal light according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterised in that in the upper lamp unit (10) for the head light function and the signal light function a common reflector (20) and a common diffusing disc (14) are provided.
12. Lighting arrangement according to claim 11, characterised in that the lamp units (10; 50) are fixable by means of quick connections (16; 54) on a railway vehicle.
13. Lighting arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the head light features a symmetric bright-dark-boundary in dimmed state.

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